Fathers & Remembrance: A Personal Story
- Army officer reflects on a decision made in 2009, just before deploying to Afghanistan, that allowed a special forces soldier to share a precious moment with his son.
- Jim Mauldin, Coleman's company commander, challenged the decision, arguing that the brief absence would not affect the team's readiness.
- Weeks later, before the deployment to Afghanistan, Coleman expressed his gratitude.He described the jump as "fantastic" and an "astonishing moment" with his son.
In 2009, a U.S. Army commander faced a pivotal choice: allow a soldier to jump with his son before deployment to Afghanistan. This decision, initially denied, became a precious memory for Master Sgt. Mark Coleman, whose life was tragically cut short in 2010. Dive into this moving account of a father’s final jump, a tale of courage and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by special forces personnel. This deeply personal story explores the complexities of military life, familial bonds, and the lasting impact of those lost in action. Discover how a seemingly small moment—a parachute jump—became a symbol of enduring love amidst the backdrop of war. News Directory 3 offers this exclusive look. Reflect on the bravery of service members and the decisions that shape their lives. Discover what’s next…
A Father’s Final Jump: Remembering Sgt. Mark Coleman
Updated May 26, 2025
A U.S. Army officer reflects on a decision made in 2009, just before deploying to Afghanistan, that allowed a special forces soldier to share a precious moment with his son. The officer, then a battalion commander, initially denied Master Sgt. mark Coleman’s request to travel to Fort benning for a parachute jump with his son, who was in airborne school.
maj. Jim Mauldin, Coleman’s company commander, challenged the decision, arguing that the brief absence would not affect the team’s readiness. The commander relented, a decision he would later appreciate deeply.
Weeks later, before the deployment to Afghanistan, Coleman expressed his gratitude.He described the jump as “fantastic” and an “astonishing moment” with his son. The officer realized he had almost deprived Coleman of this experience.
Tragically, on May 2, 2010, Master Sgt. Mark Coleman, 40, was killed by an improvised explosive device in Arghandab, Afghanistan. He was responding to a call from an infantry patrol caught in a minefield.
Coleman’s special forces A-team was engaged in a risky mission, living among Afghan villagers to train and support local security forces. this village stability operations strategy placed them in constant danger.
The last time the officer saw Coleman, the sergeant was securing a landing zone for Gen. stanley McChrystal, then the top commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan. McChrystal was visiting the Arghandab valley to observe the village stability operations in action.
The officer recalled telling Coleman, “No one realy knows what ‘right’ looks like out here, but you are close to it. Whatever the enemy has in store for you, remember this command trusts you.” Coleman replied, “Sir, we feel that. We appreciate that trust.”
The officer now remembers Master Sgt. Mark Coleman, his fallen teammates, and all service members killed in action. He also thanks Maj. Jim Mauldin for his courage in challenging the initial decision, enabling a father and son to share a final, cherished memory thru a special forces operation.
What’s next
As the U.S. military adapts to evolving global threats, the lessons learned from the sacrifices of soldiers like Master Sgt. Mark Coleman will continue to shape training and operational strategies, emphasizing the importance of both mission readiness and the well-being of service members and their families.